Zerk fittings and my grease gun...

[scoot]

My grease gun doesn't seem to like the zerk fittings on my 250 SL.  Is it because they are a different size fitting?  My gun works fine on other zerk fittings.  I tried someone's suggestion for the inexpensive air-powered Harbor Freight grease gun and it wasn't worth a dime -- just a wasted couple of hours and I need to return it.  Didn't work at all.  Anyone else have problems with zerk fittings on the 113?   Thanks

[Jonny B]

I have an early 250SL, and the grease fittings work just fine. However, my car was restored in 2000 and the fittings may have been replaced, but if so they were still the proper metric style. I have a small hand held grease gun that has not caused any issues. I will also add that I have the car up on a lift, so I can access the zerks quite easily from below with have to crawl on the concrete.

[scoot]

I have purchased new grease fittings and will see if it works better with those.  Perhaps it's just that 40 year old grease fittings often don't work anymore....?

[Jonny B]

That is very possible. After that length of time and a probable lack of regular use, the fittings can get pretty nasty. I am working with a friend on a 58 190SL and that is what we found there. Not to mention several iterations of paint coverage.

[Benz Dr.]

The metric grease fittings are smaller. I thought everyone would know that....

[scoot]

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

The metric grease fittings are smaller. I thought everyone would know that....

Then where does one get a grease gun that has an appropriate fitting for the metric grease fittings?  I haven't seen one at Sears...  or other tool stores....   Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[egggplant]

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

The metric grease fittings are smaller. I thought everyone would know that....

Thank you for your informative and patronizing post.  I'm not a professional mechanic and there are many things I don't know about cars including the size of zerk fittings.

However, I am a professional computer programmer.  I assume you know everything about software?

[waqas]

I got mine at OReilly Auto parts several years ago, with an assortment of grease fitting ends. These attachments allow me to grease all kinds of nipple sizes, as well as angles. They all use quick-release mechanisms. I would suggest you seek out one such as this so that you can try various grease ends for the different nipple types. Napa or any decent hardware store should carry one. I also recommend the grease guns that take the large size grease canisters, as I hate refilling the grease gun. (keeping up with greasing 4 different 60s MB chassis all year keeps the grease gun quite busy)

quote:Originally posted by scoot

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

The metric grease fittings are smaller. I thought everyone would know that....

Then where does one get a grease gun that has an appropriate fitting for the metric grease fittings?  I haven't seen one at Sears...  or other tool stores....   Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Benz Dr.]

quote:Originally posted by egggplant

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

The metric grease fittings are smaller. I thought everyone would know that....

Thank you for your informative and patronizing post.  I'm not a professional mechanic and there are many things I don't know about cars including the size of zerk fittings.

However, I am a professional computer programmer.  I assume you know everything about software?

Ahhh.... I was making a generalised statement back there and it wasn't aimed at anybody in particular.  And certainly not you.

 After trying to make a standard grease gun work on metric fittings for years I came to the conclusion that they are a different size. The best way to make it work is to use a new fitting on your grease gun and replace it once it shows signs of wear.

 

[hands_aus]

I have found that the coupling of the grease gun needs to be held square-on to the flat surface of the grease nipple or the grease will shoot out the side of the coupling.

[erickmarciano]

need to replace some zerks anyone know the size I need to purchase?
thanks

[wbain]

I have a large grease gun and added a flexible hose to it. I also use Mobil 1 synthetic grease. If you are having problems getting the grease to flow, use a heat gun on the joint to soften the old grease.